Adams County Bicentennial

07/03/2026

After years of research, editing, and countless hours of volunteer dedication, the Adams County
Bicentennial Commission is proud to announce the much-anticipated Bicentennial History Book will be
available for public distribution beginning Monday, July 6, 2026.

Created to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Adams County, this beautifully produced hardcover volume preserves the rich history and stories that have shaped Adams County for generations. "The Book Committee was committed to producing the highest-quality publication possible," said Adam Duesterhaus, Chair of the
Bicentennial Book Committee. "We are incredibly grateful for the patience shown by our community for the Book, and we can't wait for everyone to finally experience this remarkable keepsake."

IMPORTANT BOOK DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION:

For those who designated ‘Pickup’ at the time of purchase:

• The Quincy Public Library (526 Jersey Street, Quincy) will serve as the primary ‘distribution hub’ for
those who designated ‘pickup’ at the time of purchase (during the library's normal operating hours).
• NOTE: ALL customers are required to bring a valid photo ID (such as a driver's license) or the customer receipt/invoice provided when you placed your online Book order. This verification will help ensure accurate distribution of the Book.

For those who designated ‘Shipping’ at the time of purchase:
The select customers mentioned below should expect an email from Acclaim Press the morning of Monday, July 6 announcing specific instructions on how to pick up their Book.
NOTE: ALL customers are required to bring a valid photo ID (such as a driver's license) or the customer
receipt/invoice provided when you placed your online Book order. This verification will help ensure accurate
distribution of the Book.
• Individuals who reside in Quincy, Liberty, Plainville, and Payson, who selected "Shipping" during the
ordering process are asked to pick up their books at Quincy Public Library (526 Jersey Street, Quincy)
during normal business hours.
• Individuals who reside in Camp Point, Golden, and Clayton, who selected "Shipping" during the
ordering process will be asked to pick-up their books during normal operating hours at the Camp Point
Public Library (206 E. State Street, Camp Point, IL). Because their hours vary, customers are
encouraged to check with the library before visiting.
• Individuals who reside in Mendon, Ursa, Loraine, Lima, Fowler, Paloma, Columbus, and Coatsburg,
who selected "Shipping" during the ordering process will be asked to pick-up their books during normal
operating hours at the Four Star Library in Mendon (132 W. South Street, Mendon, IL). Because their
hours vary, customers are encouraged to check with the library before visiting.

The Bicentennial Commission recognizes that these changes to the original shipping method for local customers may create an inconvenience for some and sincerely apologize. Shipping charges are non-refundable at this time. A list of eligible purchasers of the Book has been provided to each library staff.

Customers who have questions about their designated pickup location, or need additional assistance, are encouraged to contact Acclaim Press by phone: 573-472-9800 or email:
[email protected]

New Bicentennial Book Orders:
The Adams County Bicentennial History Book remains available for purchase for $60.00 (Please note
engraving or other special cover customization is no longer available). Customers may order online through the Acclaim Press website (www.AcclaimPress.com) or by submitting an Acclaim Press Order Form (available at the Quincy Public Library, Four Star Public Library in Mendon, or Camp Point Public Library) with payment by
check made payable to ‘Acclaim Press’ (We cannot accept cash payments at this time). Once payment has been completed, customers should bring proof of purchase - such as the completed Order Form along with payment, or if purchased online, an email confirmation or read receipt/invoice - to the Quincy Public Library,
Four Star Public Library, or Camp Point Public Library, during normal operating hours to receive their book.

Meet & Greet Open House:
Members of the Adams County Bicentennial Committee will host a special ‘Meet & Greet Open House’ on Saturday, July 11, from 9:00am to 3:00pm in the lobby of the Quincy Public Library. Community members who purchased a Book, or just want to learn more about the Bicentennial altogether, are invited to stop by. All are welcome to meet committee volunteers, and continue celebrating this milestone project honoring 200 years of Adams County history.

The Adams County Bicentennial History Book stands as one of the signature legacy projects of the county's bicentennial celebration, preserving the stories, landmarks, and people that have made Adams County a remarkable place to call home for two centuries.

05/19/2026

As Adams County celebrated our Bicentennial year, we are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated group of Bicentennial Commissioners helping preserve, promote, and celebrate the rich history of our community.

Today, we especially recognize and celebrate Chairperson Kathi Dooley for being honored with the 2026 Joe Bonansinga Community Service Award — a truly well-deserved recognition of her years of service, leadership, and passion for Quincy and Adams County. Her commitment to our community and to making our Bicentennial celebration meaningful for future generations has been extraordinary.

Thank you, Kathi, for your countless hours of dedication, vision, and heart. Adams County is better because of leaders like you.

Congratulations, Kathi! 🇺🇸🎉

Kathi Dooley has been chosen as the recipient of the 2026 Joe Bonansinga Community Service Award.

05/17/2026

Check out the Camp Point Historical Society!

05/08/2026

Another Quincy Area Chamber Dogwood Parade in the books!

05/02/2026

The Adams County Bicentennial Commission would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Pam Shaffer on being named this year’s Book of Golden Deeds Award recipient.

Pam’s life of service is nothing short of inspiring. From decades of leadership with the Red Cross to her continued volunteer work throughout our region, she has truly lived out the belief that even the smallest act of kindness can create a lasting ripple effect.

We were incredibly fortunate to have Pam serve as Vice Chair of the Bicentennial Commission. Her leadership, dedication, and passion were instrumental in bringing our county-wide celebration to life and honoring the rich history of Adams County.

Pam embodies the very spirit of service and community that the Bicentennial was all about. We are proud to have worked alongside her and even prouder to call her a friend.

Congratulations, Pam—this recognition is so well deserved!

QUINCY — For as long as she can remember, Pam Shaffer has always tried to live by the old axiom of “service before self.” “Even the smallest act of kindness can have a rippling effect, farther than we can ever imagine,” the Ursa resident told Quincy Service Club members at Friday’s 74th ...

04/16/2026

Thank you Herald-Whig for your support of the Adams County Bicentennial celebration.

QUINCY — The Adams County Bicentennial Commission expects the commemorative history book to be available mid-June for distribution.

04/15/2026

The Adams County Bicentennial Commission is pleased to announce that the highly anticipated Bicentennial Commemorative History Book is officially at our publishers getting printed, with an anticipated distribution date of mid-June 2026.

The Commission extends our sincere appreciation to the community for your patience throughout the development of this project. Our commitment has always been to produce a quality publication worthy of this historic celebration, rather than a rushed timeline.

The comprehensive volume captures a wide range of topics, including the origins of the county and its cities, townships, villages, and communities. Additional sections explore agriculture, architecture, arts, entertainment and music, business and industry, cemeteries, civic organizations, education, family histories, government, health and medicine, military, news media, public safety, religion, natural resources, sports and recreation, transportation, and local traditions and culture. The book also features nearly 100 special highlights showcasing local businesses, churches, organizations, and individuals, along with over 700 photographs.

Orders will be fulfilled based on the delivery method selected at the time of purchase. Books will be shipped to the address provided unless a local pickup option is chosen. Customers who choose the local pickup option may do so at the Quincy Public Library (526 Jersey St., Quincy), when Books become available. As mentioned, the exact date and time of arrival is still being determined. Continue to check the Bicentennial’s page and website for information, as it becomes available. Individuals who have moved since placing their order are encouraged to update their mailing information with Acclaim Press to ensure proper delivery.

For ordering or additional information, please contact: Acclaim Press, PO Box 238, Morley, MO 63767. Phone: 573-472-9800. Email: [email protected]. Order your Book online at: https://www.acclaimpress.com/books/adams-county-illinois-the-first-200-years-1825-2025-bicentennial-edition/

A limited number of copies remain available for purchase at $60.00, plus $8.57 for shipping. An optional personalization feature allows buyers to have a name embossed on the cover for an additional $8.00. The finished book will be a beautiful 8.5”x11”, hardbound edition spanning nearly 450 pages, complete with a silver foil stamped cover. It serves as a lasting tribute to the legacy and future of Adams Co.

02/13/2026

Creating a sense of community at the Prairie Mills Windmill Golden Historical Society.

01/11/2026

Things to come for the Prairie Mills Windmill Golden Historical Society.

12/30/2025

🇺🇸 What a year, Adams County!

As we close out the Adams County Bicentennial, we’re overwhelmed with gratitude and pride. Over the past year, we’ve honored 200 years of heritage, hard work, and community spirit. None of it would have been possible without YOU.

From the very first planning meetings to the final firework at the Bicentennial Finale Celebration, this has been a community-wide effort.

🙏 Thank you to:
— Our Bicentennial Commission and sub-committees, who met month after month (sometimes week after week) to plan each detail
— The volunteers who stepped up at every event with open hearts and helping hands
— The sponsors and partners whose generous support turned ideas into reality
— The local organizations, businesses, performers, and municipalities who hosted events and shared the stories of their communities
— And of course, to the residents of Adams County — past and present — who showed up, participated, and celebrated together

Across more than 40 events, we laughed, learned, dedicated monuments, launched history tours, honored our veterans and heritage farms, danced in the fairgrounds, parks and streets, and came together in a way that only Adams County can.

🎉 This wasn’t just a celebration, it was a statement of who we are.

And while the official festivities have come to a close, the legacy continues. If you’d still like to support this year’s celebration and help preserve its impact for the future, you can make a contribution here:

👉 https://cfquincy.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3215

From all of us on the Adams County Bicentennial team, thank you for making history with us. 🇺🇸